Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT maintains a special archival collection of Lawyers’ Committee materials, including mission statements, press releases, news clippings, and correspondence between organizations and individuals who worked with the organization during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. The Lawyers’ Committee was born out of a sense of urgency around the absence of the organized bar and legal professionals to assist with the racial turmoil faced by the country in the 1960’s. During such a tumultuous time in American history, the significance of litigation and legal advocacy cannot be understated. The comprehensive archival collection at Wesleyan University serves as an effective time capsule, and an important reminder of the immense work and dedication of lawyers who answered the call by using their training, influence, and experience, to lend power and assistance to the fight for civil rights and racial justice.

This week, the Drum Major Institute and Mi Familia Vota announced a new partnership to empower Black and Latino voters across the country this election season. Lawyers' Committee President and Executive Director, Damon Hewitt, spoke at yesterday's press conference where this historic pairing was announced.

This morning, 9am CT/10am ET, Lawyers' Committee President and Executive Director, Damon Hewitt, will be featured in a panel discussion titled, The Fight for Democracy: Voting Rights in 2025 presented by the Brennan Center of Justice and Democracy Sentry. Event Description: American democracy is under extraordinary strain: Election denial. Voter suppression. Threats of violence. And more. Now the issue of democracy itself is at the center of the public agenda. How can we protect the freedom to vote? How can we ensure that it is a governing issue? This panel of lawmakers, experts, and journalists will explore Project 2025, reforms such as the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and discuss the democracy movement that can transform the country. Other panelists featured in this event include Marc Morial of the National Urban League, Maya Wiley of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Ready to lead our digital frontier? The Lawyers’ Committee is on the hunt for a visionary Director of Digital Media to drive our strategy and inspire through our web platforms and digital presence. If you’re passionate about shaping digital experiences and leading a talented team, we want to hear from you! Apply using the link below! #digitalmedia #hiringnow #joinourteam https://lnkd.in/eQrqwGY3

Grateful for our amazing Summer interns who brought their knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to the Lawyers’ Committee! Their hard work and fresh perspectives made a big impact on our work. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for all that you’ve contributed. #internappreciation #summer2024

The Lawyers' Committee is partnering with SPLC to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Mississippi Freedom Summer. Today, 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM CT, as part of the Organizing and Training Summit hosted by SPLC, we will be hosting a redistricting workshop. See more info below: Reclaiming Redistricting will delve into the critical role statewide redistricting plays in shaping outcomes for Black communities throughout Mississippi. The panel will consist of local leaders who served as plaintiffs or witnesses in MS NAACP v. SBEC, a case that challenged the current state legislative scheme as a violation of both the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. This dynamic, intergenerational group will discuss the importance of redistricting, why voters should be involved in the process, and how fair maps can improve the lives of Black Mississippians.

This evening, Lawyers’ Committee President and Executive Director Damon Hewitt will be featured on a panel discussion presented by National Urban League titled, “Economic Inclusion is an American Imperative: Business Speaks”. Scan the QR code for more info and register today!

The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, GA NAACP, and Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda sent a formal notice urging the SOS and counties to “cease and desist” removing registered voters from their rolls using an insecure, online “voter cancellation” portal. Click here to read our full letter: https://lnkd.in/e85bkktV

David Brody, Director of the Digital Justice Initiative at the Lawyers' Committee, was asked about the bipartisan AI Research, Innovation and Accountability Act. Read the full article by Inside AI Policy: https://lnkd.in/ejEDEc88

#OTD on August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a pivotal piece of civil rights legislation aimed at removing discriminatory state and local practices at the polls such as literacy tests, in effort to give all citizens the right to participate in our democracy. As we reflect on this milestone, let us commemorate the progress we’ve made thanks to the bravery and perseverance of those who fought tirelessly for equal access to the ballot box. Concurrently, we must also recognize the ongoing efforts needed to protect and expand voting rights for all. When the Voting Rights Act was initially passed, it was immediately challenged in the courts. As a result, Congress enacted major amendments to the Act, which addressed special provisions aimed at countering the increasing voter discrimination which existed in the country despite the law being passed. In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down two of those key provisions in the case Shelby County v. Holder, ushering in a wide range of voter discrimination tactics that would threaten our democracy and the rights of voters nationwide. The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has remained steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the restoration of the full principles and protections of the Voting Rights Act, as well as to helping citizens navigate voting challenges through the Election Protection program which it leads. Let today’s 59th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act serve as a reminder of the progress that has been made, as well as the work that continues to be done to ensure that every vote counts. #VotingRightsAct #ElectionProtection #OurVote #EqualityForAll